Love Boat (Norwegian Pearl)

Well, where do we start??? The trip on the Norwegian Pearl has been everything we imagined and more. The boat is so similar to the Pride of America that we sailed on in Hawaii last year, that it has been realatively easy finding our way around on board. The food is plentiful and delicious. It is the aim of the company that everyone has to leave 4kgs heavier than when they boarded!!! We are sure trying!! The first day on board was just cruising - the scenery was breathtaking, and no photos could do it justice. Yesterday we arrived in Juneau and did an excursion to the salmon hatchery and to the Mildenhall Glacier. We have attached a photo for you to see the colours of the glacial ice. Today we have docked in Skagway, and we are looking forward to our shore excursion - first a rail trip to the Klondike gold fields, then around a heap of other places. Juneau has a different jewellery store every 5 metres, and all of them keen to take your money for you. There is a new gem, Tansonite, that is the most spectacular blue stone. If we can find a piece at a reasoonable price, we will certainly buy it, but over $1000 is a bit rich!!! We are both thoroughly enjoying ourselves, but miss you all at home. Trust our "babies" are safe and sound. Not having Mussy on the bed is quite strange, although Phil is glad that he is not woken up at 1.30am to let the blighter out!! Take care, and we send our love to all. Sue and Phil